The SAWA complex, a condominium manufactured by Mei Architects and Planners for Rotterdam, it won the Experimental Future Projects category at the World Architecture Festival 2021. The condominium is covered with green roofs and gardens with balconies, and is the first residential structure in Rotterdam 50 meters high.
SAWA is a residential structure that focuses on circular wooden construction, biodiversity and healthy communities with ample room for growth. To lower CO2 emissions and contribute to national and international climate objectives, the architects wanted to build this condominium as if it were a sort of "Noah's Ark": (almost) entirely made of wood. Natural material contributes 90% to the building.
In the environment I am committed: wooden condominium (a chilling rhyme)
The “most natural building in the Netherlands” is designed to demonstrate that humans can indeed live and build sustainably. The condominium will host 100 apartments, with a large common terrace on the first floor, in addition to the individual garden terraces on the upper floors.
Its shape makes it "future-proof": apart from the columns that support the entire structure, the internal walls can move, allowing all the apartments to be reorganized. Whatever the destination of SAWA, the condominium is ready: even to become a museum, for example, or the headquarters of a company.
Healthier than that
The design of the condominium is cutting-edge, because it maintains as many wooden surfaces as possible in the apartments. Only the hidden walls will be covered with plaster, according to plans. A trend for future condominium projects, which may use non-traditional materials and construction methods.
The advantages? Many. The glulam used in SAWA's walls stores CO2 and eliminates emissions, while creating a warm and pleasant living area. Compared to conventional concrete constructions, SAWA's development time is shortened. Living in a wooden building has positive effects on physical or mental health.
The ultra-fine particles emitted by the concrete are just a memory, thanks to the thermal insulation. Do you need anything else?
Don't tell me that the condominium fee is too high, that I get angry.
